AU2021102986B4 - An access panel assembly and an associated method - Google Patents
An access panel assembly and an associated method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2021102986B4 AU2021102986B4 AU2021102986A AU2021102986A AU2021102986B4 AU 2021102986 B4 AU2021102986 B4 AU 2021102986B4 AU 2021102986 A AU2021102986 A AU 2021102986A AU 2021102986 A AU2021102986 A AU 2021102986A AU 2021102986 B4 AU2021102986 B4 AU 2021102986B4
- Authority
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- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- planar panel
- panel
- insulating system
- supplementary insulating
- planar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 49
- 230000009970 fire resistant effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000010440 gypsum Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052602 gypsum Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000010755 mineral Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000010455 vermiculite Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052902 vermiculite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000019354 vermiculite Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000378 calcium silicate Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000012241 calcium silicate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052918 calcium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229960003340 calcium silicate Drugs 0.000 claims description 3
- OYACROKNLOSFPA-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium;dioxido(oxo)silane Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-][Si]([O-])=O OYACROKNLOSFPA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- FGZBFIYFJUAETR-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium;magnesium;silicate Chemical compound [Mg+2].[Ca+2].[O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] FGZBFIYFJUAETR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000395 magnesium oxide Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229960000869 magnesium oxide Drugs 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000012245 magnesium oxide Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N magnesium oxide Inorganic materials [Mg]=O CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- AXZKOIWUVFPNLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N magnesium;oxygen(2-) Chemical compound [O-2].[Mg+2] AXZKOIWUVFPNLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920002430 Fibre-reinforced plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011162 core material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011151 fibre-reinforced plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011120 plywood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B5/00—Doors, windows, or like closures for special purposes; Border constructions therefor
- E06B5/10—Doors, windows, or like closures for special purposes; Border constructions therefor for protection against air-raid or other war-like action; for other protective purposes
- E06B5/16—Fireproof doors or similar closures; Adaptations of fixed constructions therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
- E04B1/74—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls
- E04B1/88—Insulating elements for both heat and sound
- E04B1/90—Insulating elements for both heat and sound slab-shaped
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/003—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation with movable parts, e.g. pivoting panels, access doors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B5/00—Doors, windows, or like closures for special purposes; Border constructions therefor
- E06B5/01—Trap-doors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C2/00—Fire prevention or containment
- A62C2/06—Physical fire-barriers
- A62C2/065—Physical fire-barriers having as the main closure device materials, whose characteristics undergo an irreversible change under high temperatures, e.g. intumescent
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Special Wing (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
Abstract
An access panel assembly having: a planar panel configured to hingedly attach to a frame; a
supplementary insulating system mechanically fixed to at least one side of the planar panel so
as to substantially cover the planar panel and such that each framed peripheral edge of the
supplementary insulating system is spaced inwardly of a corresponding planar panel edge
thereby creating a clearance gap along a corresponding perimeter of the planar panel so as to
ensure normal hinged operation of the planar panel when in use, wherein at least one
peripheral edge of the supplementary insulating system comprises one or more notches for
accommodating at least part of a hinge and/or lock attached to the frame and/or planar panel.
Preferably the supplementary insulating system comprises a fire-resistant material having a
thickness of at least 13mm.
Description
The present invention relates to an access panel assembly, which may be used, for example, to provide an access point through a barrier such as a wall, ceiling, floor, floor/ceiling system, etc. It also relates to an associated method of construction. Embodiments of the present invention find application in the fields of passive fire protection and sound insulation.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia or elsewhere before the priority date of this application.
Fire rated access panels have been around for more than 30 years, with very little modification or evolution since their introduction. Recent changes to the Australian standards have clarified a requirement for the leaf of an access panel to be subject to a maximum temperature rise of no more than 180°C or average temperature rise of no more than 140°C for the fire rating period required (referred to in this context as "insulation rating"). These criteria are specified in Part 4 of the Australian Standard AS1530.
Conventional, prior art access panels are constructed using a high temperature and non-combustible core material, such as Maxilite, Promatect L500, E Core, Pyropanel, or Firecore and are laminated with decorative facings such as MDF and plywood. To provide a hinged access panel using this prior art construction method, the maximum panel thickness that can be hinged in a cost effective manner, while providing aesthetically pleasing and uniform gaps, is in the order of 40mm.
Through extensive testing, the present inventor has found that the average temperature rise for a 40mm conventional panel leaf can exceed 140°C before 60 minutes. To achieve higher temperature rise limits requires a thicker panel, in turn necessitating a screw fixed and non-hinged access panel solution.
Screw fixed access panels are not well received by end users, as they are time consuming to open and close. In many circumstances, such access panels are removed in service and not re-instated into the opening. Further, if the panel is not replaced in exactly the same configuration, the screws can be difficult to line up resulting in damage to the door and/or frame. While more easily accommodating a thicker panel for increased insulation rating, the disadvantages of a screw-fixed access hatch or door are significant for the end user. Currently there is not an alternate option available for the end user.
Further, acoustic requirements for access panels often necessitate a thicker panel and therefore lead to the use of the non-preferred screw fixed variant, as the 40mm conventional prior art access panel leaf has relatively low acoustic properties; in the order of a Weighted Sound Reduction Index (Rw) of 31dB. However, if a hinged system is required, it is often necessary to install two access panels (i.e. one for fire and the other for acoustics) to satisfy both fire and sound insulation requirements. Clearly this is undesirable.
It has been appreciated by the inventor that it would be desirable to provide an alternative hinged access panel assembly having the same or similar thickness as a conventional hinged system, but with a potential to exhibit improved insulation ratings to meet the average and maximum temperature rise requirements of Australian standard AS1530 Part 4 testing, or other approximately equal international standards such as BS476 Part 20. It would also be advantageous if such an assembly had the potential to be aesthetically pleasing, durable and architecturally friendly, while also being easy to manufacture and assemble. It would still further be advantageous if the assembly additionally or alternatively provided improved acoustic properties.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or substantially ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
In one aspect of the present invention there is provided an access panel assembly having: a planar panel configured to hingedly attach to a frame; a supplementary insulating system mechanically fixed to at least one side of the planar panel so as to substantially cover the planar panel and such that each framed peripheral edge of the supplementary insulating system is spaced inwardly of a corresponding planar panel edge thereby creating a clearance gap along a corresponding perimeter of the planar panel so as to ensure normal hinged operation of the planar panel when in use, wherein at least one peripheral edge of the supplementary insulating system comprises one or more notches for accommodating at least part of a hinge and/or lock attached to the frame and/or planar panel.
Preferably the supplementary insulating system comprises a fire-resistant material having a thickness of at least 13mm.
Preferably, the maximum clearance gap along any non-hinged edge is less than 10mm, or more preferably less than 5mm.
In some embodiments at least one peripheral edge of the supplementary insulting system is angled for providing a required clearance necessary to ensure normal hinged operation of the planar panel.
In an embodiment the fire-resistant material is a rigid material that is directly fixed to the planar panel using a mechanical fixing.
In an alternative embodiment the fire-resistant material is or includes a flexible material. The supplementary insulating system may comprise a pan that houses the flexible material. In this instance the pan may be mechanically fixed to the planar panel.
Preferably the pan is formed of a fire-resistant material selected from the group comprising: steel, stainless steel, aluminium, fibre-reinforced plastics; intumescent plastics; and metal mesh-reinforced composites.
In some embodiments the fire-resistant material may exhibit acoustic or sound absorption properties.
Preferably the fire-resistant material comprises at least one of the following: mineral fibre blanket; mineral fibre slab; ceramic fibre blanket; ceramic fibre slab; calcium magnesium-silicate blanket; calcium-silicate board; magnesium-oxide board; gypsum based board; gypsum based spray; vermiculite based board; and vermiculite based spray.
In one embodiment the fire-resistant material and/or pan that houses the material
comprises one or more perforations for reducing weight.
Embodiments are particularly suited for use with planar panels having a thickness of less than 50mm and more particularly 40mm.
Preferably the fire-resistant material has a thickness of between 15mm to 50mm.
In an embodiment the supplementary insulating system is mechanically fixed to at least one side of the planar panel by at least one of the following mechanical fixing means: screw; rivet; clip.
In an embodiment the supplementary insulating system is mechanically fixed to both an interior and exterior side of the planar panel.
The supplementary insulating system preferably has a shape generally corresponding to a shape of the planar panel.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for increasing the fire rating of an access panel having a frame housing a hinged planar panel, comprising: providing a supplementary insulating system wherein at least one peripheral edge of the supplementary insulating system comprises one or more notches for accommodating at least part of a hinge and/or lock attached to the frame and/or planar panel; and mechanically fixing the supplementary insulating system to at least one side of the planar panel so as to substantially cover the panel and such that each framed peripheral edge of the supplementary insulating system is spaced inwardly of a corresponding planar panel edge thereby creating a clearance gap along a corresponding perimeter of the planar panel for ensuring normal hinged operation of the panel.
The features and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, provided by way of example only, together with the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a rear view of an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of the embodiment, as seen through line F-F; Figure 3 is a detail sectional view showing the region marked G in figure 1;
Figure 4 is a rear/upper perspective view of the embodiment; Figure 4 is a rear wireframe view of the embodiment; Figure 5 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 sans frame; Figure 6 is a sectional view of the embodiment, as seen through line D-D; and Figure 7 is a rear/upper perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 sans frame; and
Figure 8 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment, illustrating angled edges.
Referring to the drawings there is shown an access panel assembly 1 that is suitable for installing into a barrier, such as a wall, a shaft, a ceiling, a floor, a floor/ceiling system, or the like. In many typical implementations, the barrier will be a fire rated barrier and the access panel assembly 1 is intended to provide an access point through the barrier without substantially compromising the fire rating of the barrier (that is, of course, whilst the planar panel 2 of the access panel assembly 1 is in a closed position so as to seal off the opening created by the access panel).
The planar panel 2 is a conventional fire rated panel (which is commonly known within the industry as a "leaf') and may have at least one face laminated with a fire-resistant plastics compound and/or graphite or fire-resistant additives. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the planar panel has a thickness of 50mm or less, making it suitable for hinged operation. As will become evident from subsequent paragraphs, embodiments of the invention are particularly suited for use in substantially improving the fire protection and acoustic performance of such hinged fire rated panels.
The planar panel 2 is attached to a frame 3 via a suitable hinge assembly. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the planar panel 2 is attached by way of three standard cupboard-style hinges 4. This is best shown in Figure 3. It is desirable, but not essential, for the hinges to be concealed on the "back" face of the planar panel 2. Fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or the like, attach the hinges 4 to the planar panel 2 and to the frame 3. This allows the planar panel 2 to function as a door that can swing between an open and a closed position. When in the closed position, the planar panel 2 is restrained from inadvertent opening by a latch assembly 19, which positions a latch within a slot that is disposed in the frame 3.
The frame 3 is of the form described in co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 2020901653 (the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by way of reference), although it will be understood that any suitable access panel frame could be applicable for use with embodiments of the invention. In general terms, the frame 3 comprises four sheet metal sections that are interconnected, for example by spot welding or any other suitable joining method, thus forming a substantially square shaped frame structure. It will be appreciated, however, that the frame structures of other embodiments may be shaped differently, such as rectangular, triangular, circular, and so forth. In another embodiment the frame 3 does not fully encircle the panel 2. Rather, in this embodiment the panel is in the form of a rectangular fire door and the frame wraps around the top and the sides of the rectangle, but the frame does not extend across the bottom of the fire door.
The frame 3 is configured for attachment to the external barrier by the provision of fixing holes that are disposed generally evenly along each of the frame's four sides. In use, fasteners, such as screws, bolts, or the like, extend through each of these holes so as to affix the access panel 1 to the barrier.
In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the frame 3 is made from steel sheet, which has low thermal conductivity compared to many other metals and good strength properties. However, other sheet metals and other metallic materials such as stainless steel and the like would also be suitable for alternative embodiments. Other options include thermoplastics materials, timber and intumescent impregnated plastics materials. In the case of intumescent impregnated plastics materials, exposure of the frame 3 to the heat of a fire causes the intumescent material to expand, which would typically block the planar panel 2 from opening. This is advantageous to help avoid opening or removal of the planar panel 2 when the access panel assembly 1 is being exposed to a fire. This helps ensure that the fire does not breach the access panel assembly 1.
The frame 3 of another embodiment is made from a composite mesh (which contributes strength) and an intumescent plastics compound (for fire performance). This material allows for the frame 3 to be injection moulded, pultruded or extruded.
As stated in preceding paragraphs, embodiments of the present invention may substantially improve the fire rating and/or acoustic rating of the access panel assembly 1. This is achieved by way of a supplementary insulating system 10 that is mechanically fixed to at least one side of the planar panel 2 so as to substantially cover the planar panel 2. Importantly, a peripheral edge profile of the system 10 is configured to ensure normal hinged operation of the planar panel 2, when in use. The supplementary insulating system 10 comprises a fire-resistant material 12 having a thickness of at least 13mm. More preferably, the fire-resistant material has a thickness of between 15 to 50mm.
According to the illustrated embodiment, the fire-resistant material is a flexible material housed within a pan 14. Examples of suitablefire-resistant infill material 12 include a mineral fibre blanket, ceramic fibre blanket, calcium-magnesium-silicate blanket; gypsum based spray and vermiculite-based spray. While other fire-resistant materials may be used, the afore-mentioned materials are preferable as they provide a good balance between density and weight. The pan 14 is essentially a housing secured to the back face of the planar panel 2 using suitable mechanical fixing means, such as screws, rivets, bolts, clips or the like. In alternative embodiments, a second pan 14 (i.e. housing fire-resistant infill material) may be alternatively or additionally fixed to a front face of the planar panel 2. The pan 14 shown in the figures is formed of steel sheet, which allows it to maintain strength and rigidity when exposed to fire conditions. However, other fire-resistant materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, metal-mesh of steel or aluminium, fibre-reinforced plastics, intumescent plastics, metal mesh-reinforced compositions and other such fire-resistant materials would also be suitable for alternative embodiments.
In an alternative embodiment to that shown in thefigures, the fire-resistant material 12 may be formed of a rigid material, allowing it to be fastened directly to the planar panel 2 (i.e. without the need for a pan housing). Examples of such fire-resistant rigid materials include mineral fibre slabs, ceramic fibre slabs, calcium-silicate board, magnesium oxide board, gypsum-based board and vermiculite-based board. Again, these materials are relatively high in insulation rating and low in weight, thus making them particularly suitable for the proposed passive fire protection and acoustic barrier applications.
Irrespective of whether the fire-resistant material 12 is housed within a pan 14, or directly fixed, the material 12 is shaped and sized to substantially cover the planar panel 2, leaving only a small clearance gap along each framed edge. Such a configuration ensures an improved insulation rating, while still allowing for normal hinged operation of the panel 2. In this instance, the material has a generally square circumferential profile matching the profile of the planar panel 2. However, the material 12 may take on any shape to mirror that of the planar panel 2 and frame 3 (which, as stated previously, may be rectangular, triangular, circular, and so forth). Where the panel 2 is in the form of a rectangular fire door, the fire resistant material may extend all the way to the base of the door without any gap to help optimise the thermal and/or acoustic performance of the system 10.
According to the illustrated embodiment, each peripheral edge of the pan 14 (or directly fixed material 12) is spaced inwardly of a corresponding planar panel edge, thereby creating a clearance gap of ideally less than 10mm along the perimeter of the panel 2. For most installations, a clearance of between 3-5mm will be employed. In certain high performance installations, the gap may be between 1-2mm. In this instance, one or more edges of the pan 14 (or directly fixed material 12) may have an angled profile to facilitate hinged operation. Such an embodiment is illustrated in Figure 8, where the angled edge is indicated by reference numeral 24. For complex applications, a combination of differently sized perimeter gaps and angled edges may be employed.
As best shown in figures 1, 4, 5 & 7, a plurality of notches 20 may be provided in the material 12 for accommodating door hardware, such as the hinges 4 and latch assembly 19. In addition, perforations 22 may be provided in the material 12 and/or pan 14 for reducing the overall weight of the system 10 or exhibiting improved sound absorption characteristics.
The method of installing the supplementary insulation system 10 comprises positioning the pan 14 (or rigid fire-resistant material 12) over the desired side of the planar panel 2 such that the necessary clearance is achieved on each framed edge and any notches are suitably aligned with the door hardware. Once suitably positioned, mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets and the like are used to secure the pan 14/material 12 to planar panel 2. This completes the installation.
It will be appreciated that embodiments described herein advantageously allow for the supplementary insulating system 10 to be retro-fitted to existing access panel assemblies for achieving significant insulating performance without impacting on normal door operation. The system may alternatively be mechanically fixed to the panel during original supply of the access panel/door.
One or more of the following advantages may arise from the embodiments as afore described:
• The supplementary insulating system can be added to an access door/panel for improving the insulation and acoustic performance of the door leaf either as a pre-assembled or retrofit installation;
• The supplementary insulating system obviates the need for screw-fixed access panels that are unwieldy to operate and expensive to install;
• The supplementary insulating system allows a thin (less than 50mm and preferably 40mm) door leaf to maintain an average temperature rise of less than 140°C for up to 120 minutes; and
• The supplementary insulating system allows a lower-rated (i.e. Rw31) door leaf to achieve a higher acoustic rating (Ideally Rw50, Rw40, Rw34).
While a number of preferred embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
Claims (5)
1. An access panel assembly having: a planar panel configured to hingedly attach to a frame; a supplementary insulating system mechanically fixed to at least one side of the planar panel so as to substantially cover the planar panel and such that each framed peripheral edge of the supplementary insulating system is spaced inwardly of a corresponding planar panel edge thereby creating a clearance gap along a corresponding perimeter of the planar panel so as to ensure normal hinged operation of the planar panel when in use, wherein at least one peripheral edge of the supplementary insulating system comprises one or more notches for accommodating at least part of a hinge attached to the frame and/or planar panel.
2. An access panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the supplementary insulating system comprises a fire-resistant material having a thickness of at least 13mm and/or wherein at least one peripheral edge of the supplementary insulting system is angled for providing a clearance necessary to ensure normal hinged operation of the planar panel.
3. An access panel assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire-resistant material comprises at least one of the following: mineral fibre blanket; mineral fibre slab; ceramic fibre blanket; ceramic fibre slab; calcium-magnesium-silicate blanket; calcium-silicate board; magnesium-oxide board; gypsum based board; gypsum-based spray; vermiculite-based board; vermiculite-based spray;a material exhibiting acoustic or sound absorption properties; a material comprising one or more perforations for reducing weight; or a material having a thickness of between 15mm to mm.
4. An access panel assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar panel has a thickness of less than 50mm and/or wherein the supplementary insulating system is mechanically fixed to at least one side of the planar panel by at least one of the following mechanical fixing means: screw; rivet; clip and/or wherein the supplementary insulating system is mechanically fixed to both an interior and exterior side of the planar panel and/or wherein the supplementary insulating system has a shape generally corresponding to a shape of the planar panel.
5. A method of increasing the fire rating of an access panel having a frame housing a hinged planar panel, comprising: providing a supplementary insulating system wherein at least one peripheral edge of the supplementary insulating system comprises one or more notches for accommodating at least part of a hinge attached to the frame and/or planar panel; and mechanically fixing the supplementary insulating system to at least one side of the planar panel so as to substantially cover the panel and such that each framed peripheral edge of the supplementary insulating system is spaced inwardly of a corresponding planar panel edge thereby creating a clearance gap along a corresponding perimeter of the planar panel thus ensuring normal hinged operation of the panel.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2020901813 | 2020-06-02 | ||
| AU2020901813A AU2020901813A0 (en) | 2020-06-02 | An access panel assembly and an associated method |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2021102986A4 AU2021102986A4 (en) | 2021-08-05 |
| AU2021102986B4 true AU2021102986B4 (en) | 2022-02-10 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2021102986A Active AU2021102986B4 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2021-05-31 | An access panel assembly and an associated method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2021102986B4 (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4483102A (en) * | 1982-09-23 | 1984-11-20 | Edwards James D | Removable louver covering system |
| ES1059557U (en) * | 2005-02-15 | 2005-05-01 | Duroflama, S.L. | Fishing cover for registration of facilities (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
| ES2288063A1 (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2007-12-16 | I Division Electrica, S.A. | Fire-resistant door for electrical drainpipe of gas, telecommunications, is formed by metallic framework with one of side of framework consist by profiles in Z-shape and presented in external face fins, where internal face is provided |
| GB2470058A (en) * | 2009-05-08 | 2010-11-10 | Manthorpe Building Products Ltd | Loft door access assembly |
-
2021
- 2021-05-31 AU AU2021102986A patent/AU2021102986B4/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4483102A (en) * | 1982-09-23 | 1984-11-20 | Edwards James D | Removable louver covering system |
| ES1059557U (en) * | 2005-02-15 | 2005-05-01 | Duroflama, S.L. | Fishing cover for registration of facilities (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
| ES2288063A1 (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2007-12-16 | I Division Electrica, S.A. | Fire-resistant door for electrical drainpipe of gas, telecommunications, is formed by metallic framework with one of side of framework consist by profiles in Z-shape and presented in external face fins, where internal face is provided |
| GB2470058A (en) * | 2009-05-08 | 2010-11-10 | Manthorpe Building Products Ltd | Loft door access assembly |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2021102986A4 (en) | 2021-08-05 |
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